5 high football games to watch this week

The high school football season kicks off this week. Here’s a look at some of the week’s most interesting games.

Arbor View at Liberty — This is a game worthy of a state semifinal, but we get the matchup in Week 1. The Aggies have finished second in the Sunset Region (to seven-time state champ Bishop Gorman) the last two seasons. Liberty has won the last six Sunrise Region crowns. It should be a contrast in styles, with Arbor View looking to pound the ball from its double-wing set, and the Patriots looking to air it out from the spread.

Centennial at Desert Pines — The Jaguars don’t play in the state’s top classification, but a win by the Class 3A team over Class 4A Centennial wouldn’t shock anybody. That’s because Desert Pines came out and destroyed Arbor View in the opening week last season, and the Jaguars feature five players who already have committed to Division I schools. Centennial counters with a strong offensive duo in quarterback Jamaal Evans and receiver Savon Scarver.

Las Vegas at Palo Verde — The Wildcats are hoping to sneak up on some Sunrise Region powers this season after getting ousted in the first round of the playoffs last fall. Palo Verde is looking to rebound after a disappointing 4-6 season in 2015.

Foothill at Cheyenne — Another Class 4A vs. Class 3A matchup featuring two teams with playoff aspirations. The Falcons are hoping to start the season off on the right foot to get some momentum rolling before they start play in the tough Southeast League. Cheyenne figures to be among the top teams in the 3A Sunset League, but the Desert Shields will be breaking in new players at several key positions.

Bishop Gorman at Cedar Hill (Texas) — You’ll have to travel to Texas to see this matchup live, but you can flip on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. on Saturday and watch two of the nation’s best square off. The Gaels have finished atop USA Today’s national rankings the last two seasons. Any chance for a third mythical national championship ride on this one.

Gorman is ranked No. 3 by USA Today, with Cedar Hill No. 5. Ohio State-bound quarterback Tate Martell, and running back Biaggio Ali Walsh, who has committed to California, will lead the Gaels on offense. Defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, who also has committed to Ohio State, will key the defense.

Cedar Hill brings it’s own weapons, led by quarterback Avery Davis, who has committed to Notre Dame. Cedar Hill also has three receivers who have committed to Division I programs.